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Lower cognitive function in the presence of obesity and hypertension: the Framingham heart study

International Journal of Obesity volume 27, pages 260–268 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent effects of obesity and hypertension on cognitive functioning.

METHODS: Using a prospective design, male (n=551) and female (n=872) participants of the Framingham Heart Study were classified by presence or absence of obesity and hypertension based on data collected over an 18-y surveillance period. All subjects were free from dementia, stroke, and clinically diagnosed cardiovascular disease up to the time of cognitive testing. Statistical models were adjusted for age, education, occupation, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, total cholesterol, and a diagnosis of type II diabetes. Body mass index status (nonobese or obese) and blood pressure status (normotensive or hypertensive) were then related to cognitive performance (learning, memory, executive functioning, and abstract reasoning) on tests administered 4–6 y later.

RESULTS: Adverse effects of obesity and hypertension on cognitive performance were observed for men only. Obese and hypertensive men performed more poorly than men classified as either obese or hypertensive, and the best performance was observed in nonobese, normotensive men.

CONCLUSIONS: The adverse effects of obesity and hypertension in men are independent and cumulative with respect to cognitive deficit.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported, in part, by research grants from the National Institutes of Health: 1-R01-HL65177-03 (National Lung, Blood and Heart Institute and the National Institute on Aging); 1-R01-NS17950-21 (National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke); 1-R01-AG16495-04 (National Institute on Aging); and 3-R01 AG08122-12 (National Institute on Aging) and CONTRACT NO1-HC-25195 (NIH/NHLBI).

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr Michael A Robbins, Kristin A Swenson, Gregory A Dore, and Barbara A Hermann, University of Maine, for their assistance in the preparation of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Statistics and Consulting Unit, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    M F Elias, P K Elias & R B D'Agostino

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA

    M F Elias

  3. Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    L M Sullivan

  4. Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    P A Wolf

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  1. M F Elias
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Correspondence to M F Elias.

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Elias, M., Elias, P., Sullivan, L. et al. Lower cognitive function in the presence of obesity and hypertension: the Framingham heart study. Int J Obes 27, 260–268 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.802225

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